When Leg Skin Discoloration Is Not a Dermatology Issue
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
Many people who notice leg skin discoloration might think they have nothing more than a minor skin condition or allergic reaction that can be cleared up with a trip to the dermatologist. While this could be true, it can also be a sign of something more serious—especially if your skin changes are painful and accompanied by other health issues. If this is the case with you, you’d be wise to follow up that trip to the dermatologist with a visit to a vascular and vein specialist. Skin discoloration on legs, feet, and ankles can be a telltale sign of vein disease and is not something that should be taken lightly. Waiting too long to seek help and receive a proper diagnosis could lead to more serious complications.
Are You Experiencing Any of These Symptoms?
- Skin that looks brown, red, yellow, or purple
- Reddish or brown staining on lower legs
- Skin appears shiny in the affected areas
- Dry, scaly, flaky, itchy, or leathery skin
- Skin that is warm to the touch
- Leg hair loss on shins and ankles
- Pain or swelling in the legs and ankles
- Presence of large, bulging varicose veins
- Open sores and ulcers that won’t heal
What Causes Skin Discoloration on Lower Legs?
Leg skin discoloration, or venous stasis dermatitis, is a venous issue that occurs when your veins are not working properly. Our veins and arteries work together so that blood can flow to and from the heart. But over time, veins and vein valves can become diseased. As a result, blood flow is restricted and doesn’t flow as freely as it once did. When blood and other fluids pool in our lower extremities, the swelling produces pressure and prevents adequate blood and oxygen from reaching the skin.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are more than 200,000 cases of venous stasis dermatitis in the U.S. each year. It is usually a precursor to more problematic conditions such as venous ulcers, swelling, and other complications.
You may be at higher risk of leg skin discoloration if:
- You are overweight — Excess weight creates added strain on the body, especially in leg veins where there can be a gradual increase in fluid retention, leg swelling, varicose veins, and dermatitis. When your veins can no longer hold the extra blood and fluid, surrounding tissues suffer and lead to leg skin discoloration.
- Over the age of 50 — Leg skin discoloration is more prevalent in the elderly for many reasons. Our veins can become diseased as we age, but our skin also offers much less protection compared to when we were younger. Inflammatory responses to any medical condition are typically increased as well.
- Long periods of immobility — People with severe mobility issues are typically bedridden or simply do not move around enough to promote blood flow to lower extremities such as the legs, feet, and ankles. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main culprits in poor blood circulation.
- Untreated varicose veins — These bulging and twisted veins on the legs and feet affect roughly 25 million men and women in the United States. Varicose veins can be treated without invasive surgery and, thus, will eliminate a variety of painful symptoms. If left unchecked, they can lead to serious medical issues. Skin discoloration on legs, ankles and feet is one precursor sign to varicose veins and venous disease.
- Other venous diseases — Leg skin discoloration can be linked to many vascular diseases. Chronic venous insufficiency causes blood pressure to build up in the lower legs due to broken valves and can lead to everything from swelling of the legs to drastic skin changes. Deep vein thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening condition where blood clots block blood flow. Peripheral arterial disease is characterized by a plaque buildup on the walls of the major blood vessels or arteries, causing them to narrow. A symptom is redness and other color changes to the skin.
- An existing heart condition — Heart disease is a silent killer, but there are warning signs that can appear on your skin. This includes swelling in your feet and lower legs and blue or purple color on your skin.
How Do I Get Rid of Skin Discoloration on My Legs?
It’s important not to overlook leg skin discoloration. Beyond benign issues such as an allergic reaction or eczema, patients with your symptoms could instead have an undiagnosed vein and vascular issue. A quick diagnostic test can help your doctor understand how severe your condition is and suggest a treatment plan that fits your needs.
For leg skin discoloration that indicates a more serious venous insufficiency, your doctor will do a thorough evaluation of your legs, including a manual exam before suggesting any of the following treatments:
- Sclerotherapy — Your doctor will inject a chemical solution full of sclerosing agents (either in liquid or foam form) into the affected veins. This solution irritates the vein walls and causes the vein to collapse and disappear, safely and effectively relieving your uncomfortable symptoms.
- Radiofrequency Ablation — A small catheter is used to emit radiofrequency waves into the affected veins, which heats and seals the vein closed, cutting off blood flow and relieving symptoms caused by skin discoloration.
- Other treatments — If the skin discoloration on your legs and ankles isn’t widespread or doesn’t yet appear to be severe, your vascular specialist may recommend regular exercise, wearing compression stockings, and keeping your affected leg elevated above your hips. All of these methods promote blood flow back to the heart.
StrideCare Can Get to The Bottom of Leg Skin Discoloration
Leg skin discoloration is not something anyone should take lightly or put off seeking treatment for. Even if the condition doesn’t appear to be too severe, you should see a vascular specialist to check if this is a vein issue. StrideCare can help. Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and minimally invasive procedures to help our patients with a variety of vein diseases.
The vascular physicians at StrideCare are board certified diagnostic radiologists with additional fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology. If your veins need treatment, or you have questions on how your leg skin discoloration can indicate a venous issue, the experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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